1 Based on USEF Rules Effective April 2013 This document was compiled by Leslie Raulin using materials on the internet and her personal experience. Organizations and shows may download and use this document for training purposes. Printed copies may not be sold for more than the printing cost.
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS TOPIC PAGE RIDER DRESS CODE Dress Code Coats, Breeches, Boots, Headgear 3-5 Headgear 6 Whips 7 Hot or Inclement Weather 8 Spurs 9 Other 10 HORSE TACK Saddles, Stirrups 11 Stirrups 12 Saddle Pads, Saddle Pad Logos 13 Bridles 14-15 Snaffle Bridle Nosebands 16 Double Bridle 17 Combined Noseband, Micklem Bridle 18 Fig 1.A. Snaffle Bits (2 nd level and below, optional for 3 rd & 4 th levels) 19-20 Fig 1.B.1 Bridoon and Curb Bits (for double bridle) 21 Fig 1.B.2. Snaffle Bits (if double bridle not used) 22 Discussion of Fig B bits (Bridoon, Curb and Snaffle) 23 Fig 2 Correct Bit Measurements 23 Other Tack 24 Exceptions to USEF DR121.1-7 25 Bridle Numbers 26 Federation Dispensation Certificates, When DR121 Applies 27 PERFORMING THE 28
Rider Dress Code Coat, Breeches, Boots, Headgear Rider Dress Code USEF DR120.1: All Dressage tests and classes through Fourth Level: Short riding coat of conservative color, with tie, choker or stock tie. A cutaway coat (modified tailcoat) with short tails is permitted. White or light-colored breeches or jodhpurs. Boots or jodhpur boots. Half chaps, gaiters and/or leggings are not allowed. Exception: Riders through First Level may wear half-chaps, gaiters or leggings in solid black or brown, without fringe, matching the color of their boots, and made of smooth leather or leather-like material. Protective headgear as defined in DR120.5 and in compliance with GR801. Gloves of conservative color are recommended. FEI Junior Tests, FEI Dressage Tests for 4, 5, and 6-year-old horses and the USEF test for 4-year old horses: Short riding coat of conservative color, with stock or tie. A dark tailcoat is permitted for the FEI Junior Tests. Breeches. Protective headgear as defined in DR120.5 and in compliance with GR801. Spurs are optional (see DR120.8). FEI Pony Riders: Dark coat or club uniform coat Breeches or jodhpurs. White shirt with tie or hunting stock Gloves Boots Protective headgear as defined in DR120.5 and in compliance with GR801. Spurs are optional (see DR120.8). USEF DR120.2: All tests above Fourth Level: Dark tailcoat with top hat, or dark jacket Protective headgear, as defined in DR120.5 and in compliance with GR801 White or light colored breeches Stock or tie Gloves Black riding boots Spurs are mandatory for FEI tests (except as noted under DR120.1) (Also see DR120.8). 3 Intro, Training, and 1 st levels
Rider Dress Code Coat, Breeches, Boots, Headgear, cont d. Rider Dress Code, cont d. USEF DR120.3 Other jacket colors At all test levels, riders may wear jackets in other colors within the international HSV color scale, as described in FEI Dressage Regulations, Art. 427.1. Contrast coloring and piping is allowed. Protective headgear, stocks, ties, gloves and riding boots may be the same color as the coat. For Grand Prix Freestyle only: any single color tailcoat will be allowed; striped or multi-colored coats are not permitted, and tasteful and discreet accents, such as a collar of a different hue or modest piping or crystal decorations, are acceptable. USEF DR120.4 - Members of the Armed Services and police units May ride in the uniform of their service at any level. All riders who choose to wear Armed Services or police uniform, must wear protective headgear as defined in DR120.5 and in compliance with GR801. USEF DR120.5 - Riders in classes and tests at all levels in Level 1 Competitions, and riders in Opportunity classes in Level 2 and Level 3 Competitions May compete wearing breeches and shirts of any color as permitted in DR120.8. Jackets or vests of any type are allowed but not required Neckwear may be worn only if the rider chooses to compete in a riding jacket. Boots and protective headgear are required as specified in DR120.1-6. Volunteer Training Summer 2013 Equipment Check 4
Rider Dress Code Coat, Breeches, Boots, Headgear, Cont d. Rider Dress Code, cont d. USEF DR120.11 - Riders in USDF Pas de Deux and Quadrille classes Are exempt from the dress code requirements of DR120.1-4, except that headgear and boots as required in DR120.1-4 must be worn. Riders must follow the dress requirements outlined in the USDF Rules and Guidelines for Quadrille Competitions and for Pas de Deux. USEF DR120.12 Riders with Federation Dispensation Certificates Individuals holding Federation Dispensation Certificates may be allowed exceptions, i.e.; gloves not required if unable to wear them, half-chaps and black or brown riding shoes with heels. If dispensation for modified shoes or boots is given, safety stirrups are required. Riders may also be given dispensation for modified gloves, hand weights and arm belts. All exceptions to required dress must be listed on the rider s Dispensation Certificate. USEF DR120.15 - Jacket logos When sponsorship is permitted in accordance with GR1306, the name and/or logo of the individual s sponsor(s) may appear on each of the two sides of jackets or top garments at the height of breast pockets not exceeded 80 cm 2 in size. Logos described under DR121.1 are also permitted as above. Volunteer Training Summer 2013 Equipment Check 5
Rider Dress Code Headgear Headgear USEF DR120.6 From the time horses are officially admitted to the competition grounds by competition management, anyone mounted on a horse at any time on the competition grounds, including non-competing riders, riders on non-competing horses, and those competing in all classes and tests, including Para-Equestrian tests, must wear protective headgear as defined by this rule and otherwise in compliance with GR801. Any rider violating this rule at any time must immediately be prohibited from further riding until such headgear is properly in place. Protective headgear is defined as a riding helmet which meets or exceeds ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards for equestrian use and carries the SEI tag. The harness must be secured and properly fitted. Unless jackets are waived, while in the competition ring, exhibitors wearing protective headgear must wear a short, dark jacket, dark tailcoat (only permitted for tests above Fourth Level), or Armed Services or police uniform (if eligible), dark hatcovers (where applicable) and must otherwise conform to DR120 (see GR801). Hunt Cap Derby Top Hat Military/Police Hat Protective Riding Helmet Safety Standards Explained By Christine Barakat The label "ASTM/SEI certified" has become commonplace in safety helmets over the years, but few riders know what the acronyms stand for, let alone what's required to earn this seal of approval. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is a century-old organization that writes safety standards for everything from artificial playground surfaces to firefighters' suits. The ASTM draws up testing procedures and safety requirements for each item, standards that can then be adopted by individual organizations. Once the standards are in place, the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) ensures that they are followed by manufacturers, who do their own in-house testing or contract the testing out to other laboratories. SEI representatives periodically visit labs to audit procedures, and twice in the first year (and annually thereafter), the organization sends batches of helmets to an independent certified testing lab. To earn certification, all protective helmets (including bike, hockey and equestrian models) are dropped onto a flat anvil from a height of about six feet, and from several angles and directions. A second anvil test is designed with the particular risks of the sport in mind. "For equestrian testing, the second anvil has a very sharp corner that the helmet is dropped on," says Dru Malavase, who has served on the ASTM's equestrian protective-headgear committee since 1984. "This is just like the impact the side of a jump or a horse's hoof would have. Computer sensors measure the shock from the fall that is transferred to the inside of a helmet in terms of gravity force (g). "The threshold at which the most serious head injuries occur is 300g," says Malavase, "so all helmets must be under that -- and not even the tiniest bit over." A separate test focuses on the helmet's harness strap to assure that it remains in place during a spill. The helmet is placed on a head form "with realistic human bone structure," explains Malavase, "and then weighted and dropped." The straps must hold the helmet on the head without stretching beyond a certain amount. All helmets are retested for concussion and retention after being frozen to minus-20 degrees, heated to over 120 degrees and submerged in water overnight. If the helmet still transfers no more than 300g and the strap is still effective, that design earns ASTM/SEI approval. "With all we put riding helmets through around the barn," says Malavase, "we have to know that they are still going to protect us." This article originally appeared in the August 1998 issue of EQUUS magazine. Volunteer Training Summer 2013 Equipment Check 6
7 Rider Dress Code Whips Whips USEF DR120.7 One whip no longer than 47.2 inches (120 cm), including lash may be carried in all classes except USEF/USDF Championships, USEF National Dressage Championships, USEF High Performance Championships, USEF High Performance qualifying and selection trials, and observation classes. (Exception: Competitors riding sidesaddle may carry a whip no longer than 47.2 inches (120 cm), including lash, in USEF/USDF Championships.) One whip no longer than 47.2 inches (120 cm), including lash may be carried in all qualifying classes (including NAYRC and NAJC) unless such use is otherwise prohibited by FEI or Federation rules or selection procedures for the classes. When a whip is permitted for FEI Pony Tests, the maximum length is 100 cm (1 meter). An adjustablelength whip may not be carried by a mounted rider. USEF DR121.10: The following whips are permitted for schooling only: o One whip no longer than 47.2 inches (120 cm), including lash, may be carried by the rider when mounted. o One lungeing whip is permitted only when lungeing. o There is no restriction on the length of whip permitted for working a horse in hand. One whip no longer than 47.2 inches (120 cm) including lash may be carried in all classes except USEF/ USDF Championships, USEF National Dressage Championships, USEF High Performance Championships, USEF High Performance qualifying and selection trials, and observation classes. (Exception: Competitors riding sidesaddle may carry a whip no longer than 47.2 inches (120 cm), including lash, in USEF/USDF Championships.) One whip no longer than 47.2 inches (120 cm), including lash may be carried in all qualifying classes (including NAYRC and NAJC) unless such use is otherwise prohibited by FEI or Federation rules or selection procedures for the classes. When a whip is permitted for FEI Pony Tests, the maximum length is 100 cm (1 meter). An adjustablelength whip may not be carried by a mounted rider. USEF 121.15 The following rules apply exclusively to USEF High Performance qualifying and selection trials, and observation classes. a. Upon arrival on the showground, only the rider when riding, walking, leading or lungeing a horse (lunge whip allowed) is allowed to carry a whip (maximum 120 cm) anywhere on the showground. The groom may also walk, lead and lunge a horse as above. Other parties are allowed to carry a whip, provided it is not in connection with the training of the horse. Under no circumstance is it allowed to school the horses in the stables. b. The whip must be dropped before entering the space around the competition arena or the rider will be penalized for an error (see DR122.5h).
Rider Dress Code Weather 8 Hot or Inclement Weather DR 120.8: Extreme heat or humidity In locations with high average heat and humidity on the date of a competition, management can publish in their prize list that jackets will be waived for the duration of the competition. Alternatively, management can announce prior to or during a competition that competitors can show without jackets when extreme heat and/or humidity is forecast. This waiver applies to all classes including FEI classes at National Competitions. However, competitors must wear protective headgear and a shirt with sleeves and collar, without neckwear, and without decoration except as described under DR120.14. T-shirts are not permitted. Members of the Armed Services or police units may wear summer uniforms. DR120.9: Inclement weather Competitors will be allowed to wear a hat cover and a transparent or conservative color rain coat in inclement weather. DR120.14: Cooling Vests: Cooling vests may be worn under a riding jacket. If coats are waived, a solid-colored cooling or leightweight vest may be worn over a riding shirt as specified in DR120.7.
9 Spurs DR120.10 Rider Dress Code Spurs Material: o Spurs must be made of metal. o The inside arm of the spur must be smooth and one or both arms may have rubber covers. Shank: o The shank must be either curved or straight, pointing directly back from the center of the spur when on the rider s boot. o If the shank is curved, the spurs must be worn only with the ❶ shank directed downwards. However, ❷ swan necked spurs are allowed. 2 o ❸ Dummy spurs with no shank are also allowed. Rowels (❹, ❺): o If ❺ rowels are used, they must blunt/smooth and be free to rotate. o Only ❺ blunt/smooth rowels are permitted in USEF High Performance Championships, USEF High Performance qualifying and selection trials, and observation classes. o Metal spurs with ❻ round hard plastic knobs on the shank are allowed ( Impuls spur). FEI Pony Rider tests: o Only ❼blunt metal spurs, no longer than 1.5 cm, are permitted. o This restriction also applies to warm-up and training areas, as well as during competition. Riders having an appropriate Dispensation Certificate: o ❽ Offset spurs without rowels are permitted. 1 2 Shank directed downward Swan Neck spurs directed upward 4 5 6 Sharp rowel not permitted Blunt/smooth rowel permitted Round hard plastic knobs 3 Dummy spurs 7 FEI pony riders tests 8 Riders with dispensation certificate
10 Rider Dress - Other USEF DR120.13 - One Warmup: When the only warm-up available is open to all horses and riders, riders with safety concerns are encouraged to wear an orange vest. USEF DR120.16 Earphones Earphones and/or other electronic communication devices are strictly prohibited while competing and such usage is penalized by elimination. Earphones or similar devices are permitted during training and warm-up.
Horse Tack Saddles 11 Saddles DR121.1 Saddles: An English type saddle with stirrups is compulsory for all tests and classes other than FEI tests. An English type saddle may be constructed with or without a tree but cannot have a horn, swell, gallerie, or open gullet. Australian, Baroque, Endurance, McClellan, Spanish, Stock, or Western saddles are not permitted nor are modified versions of these saddles (exception: competitors with a current approved Federation Dispensation Certificate). A Dressage saddle which must be close to the horse and have long, near-vertical flaps and stirrups is compulsory for FEI tests. Saddle pads are optional, but should be white or of conservative color.
12 Stirrups DR121.1 - Stirrups Horse Tack Stirrups English-style stirrups, without attachments, or safety stirrups are compulsory.
13 Horse Tack Saddle Pads, Logos Saddle Pads USEF DR121.1 - Saddle Pads: Saddle pads are optional, but should be white or of conservative color. Note: A non-conservative saddle pad is not a cause for elimination. Saddle Pad Logos USEF DR121.1 - Logos: While present in the competition area and during prize-giving ceremonies, the name and/or logo of the individual s sponsor(s) may appear on a surface area not exceeding 200 cm 2 on each side of the saddle cloth. Breed logos (for horses registered with that breed), national flags (for citizens of that country), riding club/business/farm names or logos (used with permission of riding club/farm/business owner) and USEF or USDF names or logos (used with permission of USEF or USDF, respectively) are also permitted and must have the same specifications as sponsor logos. No other advertisement or publicity is permitted on saddle cloths or horses.
14 Horse Tack Bridles Bridles USEF 121.2. Training, First, and Second Level Tests A plain snaffle bridle is required with a regular cavesson, a dropped noseband, a flash noseband (a combination of a cavesson noseband and a dropped noseband attachment) or a crossed noseband. Except for the FEI Pony tests, a crescent noseband is also permitted at these levels. Headstall and Cavesson: Except for the crescent noseband, buckles and a small disk of sheepskin, which may be used in the intersection of the two leather straps of a crossed noseband, the headstall and cavesson/noseband of the bridle must be made entirely of leather or leather-like material. A padded cavesson/noseband and crownpiece are allowed. Browband: A browband is required, and except for the parts that attach to the crownpiece or headstall, is not required to be made of leather or leather-like material. USEF 121.3. Federation Third and Fourth Level Tests Same as (2) above, or a simple double bridle (bridoon [snaffle] and bit [curb] and curb chain, cavesson noseband only). The curb chain can be made of metal, leather or rubber. A lip strap and rubber or leather cover for curb chain are optional. USEF 121.4. FEI Tests FEI tests ridden at national competitions: a plain snaffle bridle or simple double bridle may be used, as described above in DR121.2-.3. Double bridle is mandatory for: USEF High Performance qualifying and championship classes, USEF Young Adult qualifying and championship classes, NAJYRC qualifying classes, USEF Junior qualifying and championship classes, and USEF Young Rider qualifying and championship classes. FEI Tests: Only snaffles, curbs and bridoons pictured under Figure 1-B are permitted. For the FEI Dressage Tests for 4, 5, and 6-year-old horses and the USEF Dressage Test for 4- year old horses, a plain snaffle bridle is required, as above (DR121.2). However, when a snaffle is used in FEI tests, a crescent noseband is not permitted and a snaffle is required as described in Figure I and as pictured in Figure 1B. In addition to the crescent noseband, the crossed (figure-8, Mexican) noseband is not permitted for the FEI Dressage Tests for 4, 5,and 6-year-old horses and the USEF test for 4- year old horses.
15 Horse Tack Bridles, Cont d. Permitted Bridles and Nosebands 1. Dropped Noseband 2. Cavesson Noseband 3. Flash Noseband 4. Crossed Figure-8 (Mexican) Noseband 5. Crescent Noseband 1, 3 and 4 [and 5]: These nosebands are not permitted when a double bridle is used.
16 Horse Tack Bridles, Cont d. Bridles, Cont d. USEF 121.5. Para-Equestrian Tests Riders competing only in FEI Para-Equestrian tests may use either a plain snaffle bridle or simple double bridle. Riders competing in both FEI Para-Equestrian tests and USDF or USEF tests at the same competition must use a plain snaffle bridle at Grades 1a-Grade III levels. A double bridle may be used in warm-up and while competing only at the Grade IV level. USEF 121.6. Bridle Fit At any level of competition, a cavesson or both parts of a flash noseband may never be so tightly fixed that it causes severe irritation to the skin, and must be adjusted to allow at least two fingers under the noseband on the side of the face under the cheekbone. Cavesson nosebands may be used with a chin pad. At any level of competition, a browband may be multicolored and may be decorated with metal, beads, gemstones and crystals. At any level of competition, a cavesson or both parts of a flash noseband may never be so tightly fixed that it causes severe irritation to the skin, and must be adjusted to allow at least two fingers under the noseband on the side of the face under the cheekbone.
17 Horse Tack Double Bridle Double Bridle with cavesson noseband, bridoon bit, and curb bit with curb chain Cavesson Noseband Bridoon (Snaffle) Bit Curb Chain Curb Bit Optional: lip strap, rubber or leather curb chain cover
18 Horse Tack Combined Noseband, Micklem Bridle 5. Combined noseband (no throatlatch). Permitted for use in at any level (including USEF High Performance classes) and in warm-up with ei-ther a snaffle or double bridle, as appropriate for the level. When used as a double bridle, the lower strap of the noseband (flash attachment pictured with the snaffle), is not permitted. Combined Noseband 6. Micklem Bridle Permitted for use at any level where snaffles are permitted Not permitted for use as a double bridle. Bit clips may not be used with this bridle. Micklem Bridle
19 Horse Tack Bits: 1.A. Snaffle Bits Bits USEF DR121.6. A. Snaffle Bits Only those bits listed with Figure 1 [A, B, and C] are allowed. 1. A. Snaffle Bits Required for 2 nd level and below tests Optional for 3 rd and 4 th level tests
20 Horse Tack Bits: 1.A. Snaffle Bits, Cont d. Bits USEF DR121.6. 1.A. Snaffle Bits Snaffle bits must be smooth with a solid surface. Twisted and wire bits are prohibited. A mouthpiece with more than one rolling part is prohibited. Bits may be made with a rubber or plastic covering, but the bit may not be modified by adding latex or other material. Bits with mouthpieces made of synthetic material are permitted, provided that the contours of the bit conform to the contours of one of the bits pictured above. Flexible rubber or synthetic mouthpieces are permitted. A double jointed bit or snaffle with rotating mouthpiece may be shaped to allow tongue relief. The maximum height of the deviation is 30mm from the lower part of tongue side to the highest part of the deviation. The widest part of the deviation must be where the mouthpiece contacts the tongue and must have a minimum width of 30 mm. (See illustration below.) The mouthpiece of a jointed or unjointed snaffle may be shaped in a slight curve within the dimensions specified above, but other ported snaffles are prohibited. The mouthpiece of a snaffle may have up to two joints. A bushing or coupling is permitted as the center link in a double jointed snaffle; however, the surface of the center piece must be solid with no moveable parts, except as pictured above. The center link may be tilted in a different orientation from the mouthpiece but must have rounded edges. The diameter of the snaffle mouthpiece must be minimum 10 mm diameter at rings or cheeks of the mouthpiece (exception: for ponies, the diameter may be less than 10 mm). Any bit combining a mouthpiece with any cheekpiece pictured above is permitted. The type of bit should not vary from those pictured above except where specified, and bits should be attached only as pictured in diagram. A cavesson, dropped, crossed or flash noseband is allowed when a snaffle bridle is used in warmup or competition, except as prohibited for some tests. The maximum height of the deviation is 30mm from the lower part of tongue side to the highest part of the deviation. The widest part of the deviation must be where the mouthpiece contacts the tongue and must have a minimum width of 30 mm.
21 Horse Tack Bits: 1.B.1. Bridoon and Curb Bits USEF DR121.6. 1.B.1. Bridoon and Curb Bits for Double Bridles 1.B.1. and 2. Bits pictured and described below (under #1 and 2 below) are required for FEI tests. 1.B.1. Bits pictured and described under #1 are optional in Third and Fourth Level tests. 1.B.1. Bridoon and Curb Bits Required for FEI tests that require a double bridle Optional for 3 rd and 4 th level tests (if a double bridle is used)
22 Horse Tack Bits: 1.B.2. Snaffle Bits Bits USEF DR121.6. 1.B.2. Snaffle Bits 1.B.1. and 2. Bits pictured and described below (under #1 and 2 below) are required for FEI tests. 1.B.1. Bits pictured and described under #1 are optional in Third and Fourth Level tests. 1.B.2. Snaffle Bits Required for FEI tests if a double bridle is not used. 1.B.
23 Horse Tack 1.B.1 & 2. Bits: Bridoon, Curb and Snaffle Bits USEF DR121.6. 1.B.1. and 1.B.2. Bridoon, Curb and Snaffle Bits Bits pictured under 1.B.1. or 1.B.2. are required in FEI Tests. Bits must be smooth with a solid surface. A bridoon is defined as a snaffle bit used together with a curb bit to form a double bridle. Bits (including curb and/or bridoon bits of a double bridle) must be made of metal or rigid plastic and may be covered with rubber (in manufactured state); flexible rubber bits are not permitted. Correct Bit Measurement: o The lever arm of the curb bit is limited to ten centimetres (10 cm) (length below the mouth piece). The upper cheek must not be longer than the lower cheek. (Figure 2) o The snaffle or bridoon mouthpiece must be minimum 10 mm diameter at the rings or cheeks of the mouthpiece. o The diameter of the curb mouthpiece must be minimum 12 mm at the cheeks of the mouthpiece. o Snaffles used in Young Horse classes must have a minimum diameter of 14 mm. The type of bit should not vary from those pictured except where specified, and bits should be attached only as pictured in diagram. FEI Level horses may be warmed up only in a double bridle (with both bit and/or bridoon made of metal or rigid plastic) or a metal or rigid plastic snaffle pictured under 1.B.2. A cavesson, dropped, crossed or flash noseband is allowed when a snaffle bridle is used in warmup or competition, except as prohibited for some tests. Curb chain hooks can be fixed or not fixed. Note: For FEI tests ridden at national competitions, a plain snaffle bridle or simple double bridle may be used, as described in DR121.2-.3. However, for USEF High Performance qualifying and championship classes, USEF Young Adult qualifying and championship classes, USEF Junior qualifying and championship classes, USEF Young Rider qualifying and championship classes, and NAJYRC qualifying classes, a double bridle is mandatory. Correct bit measurement. The lever arm of the curb bit must not exceed 10 cm (length below the mouthpiece). If the curb has a sliding mouthpiece, the lever arm of the curb bit below the mouthpiece must not measure more than 10 cm. when the mouthpiece is at the uppermost position.
Horse Tack Other Tack Other Equipment USEF DR121.7. ❶ Martingales, ❷ bit guards, any kind of gadgets (such as bearing, ❸ side, running, balancing reins, ❹ nasal strips, tongue tied down, etc.), any kind of ❺ boots (including easy-boots ) or ❻ bandages (including tail bandages) and any form of ❼ blinkers, ❽ earmuffs or plugs, nose covers, ❾ seat covers, hoods are, under penalty of elimination, strictly forbidden. Shoes with or without cuffs that are attached with nails or glue and that do not extend past the hair line of the hoof are permitted. ❿ Fly hoods (ear covers) are permitted for competitions held outdoors in order to protect horses from insects. The fly hoods should be discreet and should not cover the horse s eyes. After completion of the test, the rider or his representative is responsible for removing the fly hood to present to the designated ring steward for inspection. ⓫ Leg bandages are allowed in Pas de Deux and Quadrille classes. A ⓬ breastplate and/or crupper may be used, except that a breastplate is not permitted in USEF High Performance Championships, USEF High Performance Qualifying and Selection Trials, and Observation classes. A rein is a continuous, uninterrupted strap or line from the bridle bit to the hand. Rein additions or attachments are not permitted. Each bit must be attached to a separate rein and reins may only be attached to bits. Any ⓭ decoration of the horse with extravagant items, such as ribbons or flowers, etc. in the mane, tail, etc., is strictly forbidden. Braiding of the horse s ⓮ mane and ⓯ tail, however, is permitted. ⓰ False tails are permitted and if used may not contain any metal parts. 4 7 1 2 3 6 5 8 9 11 12 10 14 16 13 Volunteer Training Summer 2013 Equipment Check 24 15
25 Horse Tack Exceptions Exceptions USEF DR121.8. Exceptions to USEF DR121.1-7 The above restrictions (1-7) apply to warm-up and other training areas; however, running martingales (only with snaffle rein of plain snaffle bridle), boots and bandages (without magnets) are permitted [in warm-up and other training areas]. (Exception: running martingales are not permitted for horses entered in USEF High Performance qualifying and selection trials, and observation classes). A running martingale consists of a divided strap attached to the girth or breastplate (at the front of the horse s chest); the extension of each strap must be connected from the point of division only to the rein on the same side and must be free to slide. The rings through which the reins slide may not be connected to a neck strap. However, noise cancelling ear muffs/plugs are permitted at prize-giving ceremonies for horses competing at any level, including High Performance classes. Fly hoods (ear covers) that do not cover the horse s eyes are permitted in warm-up and other training areas and cannot be used for masking noise cancelling earplugs. Side Reins: Single direct side reins or double sliding side reins (triangle reins) are permitted only when lungeing (mounted or unmounted). Double sliding side reins may be attached to the saddle or surcingle and girth as pictured below, or both ends of each rein may be attached to the saddle, surcingle and/or girth. A single direct side rein is defined as an auxiliary rein affixed to the bit and to the girth, saddle or surcingle on the side of the horse (not between the legs). Lungeing: Only one lunge line is permitted only while lungeing. A lunge line must attach only to the snaffle bit of the bridle, halter or cavesson and go directly to the hand of the longeur. Driving or long lining is prohibited. Horses competing at Third Level and above may be warmed up in a either snaffle or a double bridle. (Exception: For breed-restricted Arabian competition see Chapter AR, Subchapter AR-12). Double Sliding Side Reins
26 Numbers USEF DR121.11. Horse Tack Bridle Numbers Numbers must be worn at all times when a horse is being exercised or ridden.
27 Federation Dispensation Certificates, When DR121 Applies USEF DR121.13: Individuals holding a Federation Dispensation Certificates, a USEF Para-Equestrian Classification Card or International Para-Equestrian Classification card may use special saddlery and equipment as specifically listed on their Certificate or card. The following equipment is permitted if listed on the Certificate: Any well fitted saddle that is suited to the needs of the rider. Devonshire, western, or oxbow stirrups, tethers from stirrups to girth; seat covers; velcro and rubber bands (provided the equipment allows the rider to fall from the horse). Breakaway safety stirrups are required if the rider s feet are secured into the stirrups and shoes with distinguishable heels must be worn. Except for sidesaddle, either two stirrups or no stirrups must be used, unless rider has one leg and no prosthesis on the other leg. Adapted or bridged reins. If the rein is not to be used in a conventional manner, it must be in as straight a line as possible from the normal hand position (as described in DR117) to the horse s mouth. One or two whips, not to exceed 4 in length. DR121.16: The provisions of DR121 apply to both competing and noncompeting dressage horses from the time horses are admitted to the grounds that are designated for the Dressage Competition.
28 Performing the Check Performing the Equipment Check DR121.9: Ring stewards appointed by competition management must check saddlery and inspect bits and spurs on both sides of the horse for at least one-third of the horses in each class. Inspection of Saddlery & Bits: Must be done at the direction of the technical delegate. Must be done immediately as the horse leaves the arena (see DR126.11) Bit inspectors must use a new disposable protective glove for each horse. Bridle: The checking of the bridle must be done with the greatest caution, as some horses are very touchy and sensitive about their mouths. Also See DR126.1.i. The responsibility for the correct attire and equipment, however, still rests with the competitor. When communicable disease is a concern, any deviations to established saddlery inspection protocol must be approved by the USEF Dressage Department prior to the competition. [Whip: Although not stated in the paragraph, the ring steward must also check the length of the whip to ensure it does not exceed 120 cm (47.2 ).] [Numbers: Although not explicitly stated, ring stewards should ensure all horses have their bridle number displayed at all times it is being exercised or ridden.] DR126.1.i. Ring Stewards and supervision of schooling areas. Management must appoint ring stewards to check saddlery and inspect bits and spurs, on both sides of the horse, in each class at the direction of the technical delegate and in accordance with DR121.9. When a competition operates two or more rings or warmup areas, the competition must have a sufficient number of stewards to adequately monitor all schooling and warmup areas, as well as competition rings. Schooling and warmup areas must be monitored by stewards starting at least 30 minutes before the first scheduled ride. Bit inspectors must use a new disposable protective glove for each horse. Gloves must be provided by competition management. When communicable disease is a concern, any deviations to established saddlery inspection protocol must be approved by the USEF Dressage Department prior to the competition. In USEF/USDF Championship classes, a steward must be appointed to check the saddlery and bits of each horse immediately after it has completed its test and has left the arena, and any discrepancy to the saddlery rules will entail immediate elimination. (See DR121.9)